How to verify the legal qualifications of an export shipping agent?

The primary criterion for selecting an agent is verification.Four core qualifications:

• The business scope of the business license must include "international freight forwarding agency."
• China Customs AEO (Authorized Economic Operator) Certification Qualification (divided into General Certification and Advanced Certification)
• Membership of the International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA)
• Hazardous Materials Transportation Qualification (applicable to special cargo such as chemicals)

建議通過海關總署官網（http://www.customs.gov.cn）的”企業(yè)信用信息公示”系統(tǒng)進行資質核驗。2025年起新增的Cross-border Digital Trade Filing NumberSpecial attention is also required.

?Export Agency?What hidden costs are included in the fees?

A typical fee structure consists of seven components:

• Basic service fee (usually 0.8%-1.5% of cargo value)
• Unexpected expense items:
  • Amendment Fee (approximately $200-500 per change for manifest information)
  • Demurrage (excess storage fee of $50-200 per day)
  • Inspection surcharge (Customs manual inspection approximately $300-800)
• Special document fee (e.g.?L/C?The required embassy-certified documents)

(Expense details corresponding to different terms such as EXW/FOB/DDP, etc.).Comparison table of expense details, and in conjunction with the "International?Ocean shipping?Compare with the rates stipulated in the "Regulations".

How to ensure the export process complies with the latest regulatory requirements?

Three key compliance points to pay special attention to in 2025:

• Electronic?Certificate of Origin?Mandatory integration with the blockchain traceability system
• Pre-entry requirements for EU CBAM carbon tariff declaration
• New Format Specifications for the Certificate of Transit under RCEP

It is recommended that the agent be equipped withProfessional Document Review Team, provide customized document packages tailored to different countries. For example,?export to Southeast Asia?Additional preparation of Form E and ASEAN Health Certificate is required.

What should be noted in cargo transportation insurance?

It is recommended to pay attention to three key details in the insurance clauses:

• Does the coverage includeWar Risk and Strike Risk
• Deductible setting (recommended not to exceed 2% of the cargo value)
• Claim Processing Time Commitment (Premium agents typically guarantee completion within 30 business days)

Pay special attention to the newly added items in 2025.Special Provisions for Extreme Weather Conditions, requiring the insurance to cover losses caused by transportation interruptions due to abnormal climate conditions.

How to handle customs inspections?

Professional agents should provide a three-level emergency response:

• Initial response: Provide supplementary documents within 2 hours.
• Intermediate response: On-site coordination of customs classification disputes
• Advanced Response: Initiate the Classification Pre-Ruling Review Procedure

Key verification of the agent'sHistorical Verification Processing Success RateHigh-quality agents should maintain a fast clearance rate of over 85%. It is recommended to request actual operation cases from the past six months.

How to evaluate digital service capabilities?

By 2025, qualified agents must be equipped with three digital tools:

• Real-time Cargo Tracking System (with an error margin not exceeding 4 hours)
• Automated Customs Declaration Status Alert Platform
• Intelligent Expense Prediction Model (Accuracy ≥90%)

It is recommended to test the proxy.API integration capabilityA high-quality system should support seamless integration with the enterprise's ERP. For instance, the transmission of manifest data via EDI should not exceed 15 minutes.

How to Mitigate Customs Clearance Risks at the Destination Port?

Critical control points include:

• Verify the recipient's import qualifications in advance (especially?Medical Devices?(and other special commodities)
• Review of Country-Specific Differences in Pre-Declared HS Codes
• Pre-negotiation Plan for the Return of Unsold Goods

It is recommended to choose the one in the destination country.Self-operated customs clearance teamThe agent is particularly crucial when handling customs clearance matters in countries with high inspection rates, such as Brazil and Turkey.